An NSAID question....

In preparation for surgery I need to try out some pain killers to alleviate period cramps.  I have always had the WORST period cramps and have needed to take the prescription dose of Naproxen 550 mg's to manage them....well this is a huge NSAID so I can't take it anymore, advil is too so that's out.....

In the past midol has not worked for me but maybe I should try it again unless it's an NSAID too?

I just don't think tylenol is going to cut it for me...does anyone have a suggestion?

Motrin is the same as Advil - NSAID.

I'd talk to your pharmacist and family Dr. to get some good alternatives.

ETA:  SORRY, I misread!  You said Midol, not Motrin!  Yes, I believe Midol is also an NSAID.

I'd go with one of the the 4 below:

tylenol

tylenol 1 (ask the pharmacist for the generic version) - has coedine - this is hidden behind the counter

tylenol with a muscle relaxant - like robax - just triple check the version you get is not with ibruprofin

tramacet (prescription).

I use tramacet. Its not an NSAID.

That is a tough one. I also found that NSAIDS worked the best on cramps too. There is a Midol brand that is acetamenophen (sp?)/Tylenol base. It does seem to be taking the edge off since I have been post-op so I can at least function.

The pills are a bit large so for the first bit post op I had to crush them. Of course I started two days post-op. Between the surgery pain, cramps and back pain I didn't know if I was coming or going. Things are much better now.

Check with your doctor. I don't think there are many PMS prescription meds out there that are not NSAIDS. Make sure they know you can't take them as well. Classify it as an 'allergy' at the pharmacy too so that there is a second check and balance in place.

In preparation for surgery I did the Midol thing for a few months pre-op just so that I could find something that worked.

Hope you find something,
Kristie

I always used to use Aleve but now I just take extra Tylenol.  It is only for a couple of days and I almost never use it otherwise, so I'm not worried.  I will take 3 extra strength tylenols when I get really bad cramps and so far that seems to be working. 

What about a method of birth control that should reduce the cramping, like depo or an IUD?

IUDs normally cause heavier periods and more cramping. There is one that does not which is called Mirena - you might want to look into that one. It has a hormone included in it which can make periods lighter.

Sorry, I forgot that there is more than one kind and I needed to be more specific. Yes, I meant the Mirena, it's what my doc has recommended for me as I have a need to reduce my bleeding and won't be able to take the pill post-op. I've heard from several women on the OH boards that have it and love it and have practically no periods at all.

If you get migraines it might not be great idea but otherwise i've heard great things about it too.

I had no idea one could not take the pill post surgery.

Well, they *can* - if they wanna get accidentally knocked up. lol
It just doesn't absorb as well, unfortunately. And since our hormones are all nutty and many are super-fertile post-op, most choose to do another method.